Suppliers are jumping feet first into 2013 with new product introductions, display systems and marketing initiatives, many of which will debut at Surfaces in January 2013.

Anderson has a number of products that will be introduced in 2013, explained Don Finkell, CEO of Anderson Hardwoods, including a wider, longer product called Bastille.

Inspired by the French Renaissance, Anderson’s Bastille is an engineered product offered in both hickory and maple with a 6 1/4 inch width and 1/2 inch thickness — it also includes a new 5-inch board length. Bastille highlights time-worn visuals, worm holes and antique distressing.

Anderson is also introducing a new product called Urban Loft, an engineered hickory floor that employs a unique wire-brushing technique.

Mannington will be enhancing its marketing strategies and has developed a new merchandising program that is aimed at targeting specific areas of the country, according to Dan Natkin, director of wood and laminate business.
“We’ve created a very regionalized program, using larger format samples and some key products that we make here in the U.S. It allows us to be more competitive in our approach to the market and grow nicely. We’ve also done quite a bit to develop new generations of visuals at Surfaces,” Natkin said.

Wade Bondrowski, director of sales. U.S.A. at Mercier, said that with housing starts beginning to make moves, the company is prepping for 2013 by introducing 37 new styles. Bondrowski said he hopes to see the retail sector grow stronger in 2013.
“We’re geared up to add 37 new SKUs into our Nature Series. We’re putting out product in 2013 that consumers are demanding. We’ve done our research. We’re diversifying ourselves into other segments with the Nature Series,” he said.
For Armstrong, 2013 will be marked by new product and merchandising initiatives set to roll out at Surfaces in January. This includes augmenting its Performance Plus program according to Goodwin.

“Armstrong’s goal is to outpace the marketplace in terms of growth and do it profitably. We are going to try to hold onto our existing business and build upon that with product and merchandising initiatives,” Goodwin said. Armstrong has also recently introduced its American Scrape Collection. Available in hickory, Armstrong’s American Scrape is made in the U.S.A. and offers a handscraped look.

Mohawk’s big push in new products centers around the expansion of its ArmorMax finish with Scotchguard Protector which has been applied to its entire Rockford Collection. Rockford includes both solid and engineered products in hickory, maple and oak.